Lost Opportunity

The old field had been ploughed and sown
with maize, but by some error
there remained a grassy lane that ran
halfway the field; a smaller one
branched off. But for its entrance
all of it was hidden by a wall
of green with brownish speckles
frothing with red plumes. I walked
up there and squatted down
inside the field.

An open place, walled in, well-screened
seemed waiting to be used
for playing in. But no small boys
dressed up like Indians ever cast
appraising looks at this green fort,
and when I heard someone approaching
I made off, I hope, unseen
- you just don't squat in fields -
but what a pity such a place
should be waiting there unused -
If only I were younger,
or to play such games
not solely the prerogative of boys.